The Japanese government provides support to support the implementation of the free nutritious food (MBG) program and improve the quality of education, nutrition, and welfare of children in Biak City, Papua Province. This support is provided in collaboration with UNICEF Indonesia and the National Nutrition Agency.
In a statement obtained by CNBC Indonesia, Tuesday (25/2/2025), Japan provided funding support of $3.4 million (around IDR 55.437 billion) for 2 years. Then, UNICEF will assist provincial and district authorities in Papua to provide a cost-effective MBG program for PAUD and elementary school students using local food and integrated basic nutrition services.
In detail, this program will reach 2,500 preschool and elementary school children with improved nutrition and education services during this partnership. In addition, 150 teachers and principals will receive training in pedagogical skills and nutrition monitoring, including 2,500 parents who will gain knowledge about nutrition and care that supports child growth and development.
A total of 270 government officials, cooking teams, teachers, and principals will also benefit from the school meal capacity building initiative. The program will also conduct capacity building for 50 policy makers in planning and budgeting issues, to achieve tangible results that can support the sustainability of the MBG program.
In addition to MBG, the partnership will also provide professional development training to teachers to improve the quality and inclusiveness of teaching and learning in the classroom, especially in literacy, numeracy, and nutrition awareness. In addition, counseling will be carried out to involve parents in the care and development of their children.
“Japan wants to contribute to school meals in Indonesia by starting from the 100-year experience of the school meal program in Japan. Previously, Japan was also involved in a project to develop fishing ports, freezing facilities, and marketing on six remote islands; with the assistance of a JICA grant, the project launched in 2021 has succeeded in increasing the catch at the Biak Fishing Port,” said the Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia, Masaki Yasushi.
“School meals in Japan actively promote local products for local consumption, and we would like to promote collaboration between the two programs, so that the kitchen center for school meals can utilize fish from the Biak Fisheries Port, which is rich in nutrients including protein.”
Similarly, UNICEF Indonesia Representative, Maniza Zaman stated that nutritious food programs and supportive learning environments are key ingredients for healthy growth and the future success of every child.
“Every child has the right to develop fully, including access to quality social services,” she said.
“UNICEF is proud to partner with the Government of Japan to support Indonesia’s efforts to improve education and nutrition services for children in Papua.”
February 25, 2025, CNBC Indonesia(https://www.cnbcindonesia.com/news/20250225132848-4-613453/jepang-bantu-program-mbg-prabowo-hibahkan-dana-segini)